Communication and Media Studies Major, BA

In the BA in Communication and Media Studies, students take courses in content creation, human communication and media studies. Students learn to think critically about communication and media in their social and cultural forms. A degree in Communication and Media Studies prepares students for a variety of careers in social media, television, journalism, marketing, music distribution, publishing, public relations, politics, law, and strategic communication. Students are encouraged to have cross-disciplinary minors, study abroad and participate in internships.

Major Completion Summary

Major Completion Summary
Requirement	Credits
University Core Requirements	44-55
Major Requirements	42
Open Electives	23-34
Total Credits	120

University Core Requirements (44-55 Credits)

See complete University Core requirements.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
University Core
Complete University Core Requirements		44-55
Total Credits		44-55

Major Requirements (42 Credits)

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major Core Courses
CMS 111	Introduction to Communication	3
CMS 113	Media, Culture, and Society	3
CMS 114	Introduction to Mass Media	3
Major Elective Courses
Group One - Content Creation
Select two of the following:		6
CMS 226	Writing for the Electronic Media	3
CMS 228	Writing for Convergent Technologies	3
CMS 280	Introduction to Journalism	3
CMS 296B	Topic: Podcasting: Audio Storytelling	3
CMS 296C	Topic: Introduction to Media Production	3
CMS 331	Strategic Communication	3
MCA 226	Writing for the Electronic Media	3
MCA 227	Writing for the Print Media	3
May select approved cross-disciplinary course in content creation - see Department Chair for approval
Group Two - Public/Professional Communication
Select a minimum of 12 credits:		12-15
CMS 119	Organizational Communication	3
CMS 203	Persuasive Speaking	3
CMS 205	Dynamics of Small Group Communication	3
CMS 206	Family Communication	3
CMS 213	Intercultural Communication	3
CMS 214	Interpersonal Communication	3
CMS 280	Introduction to Journalism	3
CMS 294	Language and Contexts	3
CMS 295	Participatory Communication	3
CMS 296A	Topic: Conflict Management	3
CMS 313	The Dark Side of Communication	3
CMS 331	Strategic Communication	3
CMS 332	Self-Presentation and Impression Management through Communication	3
CMS 334	Persuasion and Compliance-Gaining	3
CMS 341	Citizen Journalism and Deliberation	3
MAR 201	Principles of Marketing	3
Group Three - Media Studies
Select a minimum of 12 credits:		12-15
CMS 235	Advertising and Consumer Culture	3
CMS 239	Milestones in Communication Research	3
CMS 242	New Communication Technologies and Moral Panic	3
CMS 244	Digital Cultures	3
CMS 245	Communication and Popular Culture	3
CMS 270	Political Communication	3
CMS 250	Digital Youth Activism	3
CMS 290	Current Media in NY	3
CMS 291	Sport Communication & Culture	3
CMS 292	Hip-Hop Feminism and the Media	3
CMS 309	Girls’ Media Cultures	3
CMS 310	Communication and Media Analytics	3
CMS 311	Ethics, Morality, and the Media	3
CMS 312	Introduction to Cultural Studies	3
CMS 313	The Dark Side of Communication	3
CMS 314	Media v. Government	3
CMS 335	Media and Gender	3
CMS 336	Propaganda	3
CMS 338	Media Criticism	3
CMS 481	Language and Power	3
INT 299K	Disability Stories through Film and Media	6
One additional Group 2 or Group 3 course (3 credits)		3
Total Credits		42

¹: CMS 280 Introduction to Journalism and CMS 331 Strategic Communucation may be taken for Group 1 or Group 2

²: CMS 313 may be taken for Group 2 or Group 3

Open Electives (23-34 Credits)

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Open Electives
Select 23-34 credits - Internships (CMS 393, CMS 394 and DMS 393) are recommended. Students may apply up to 9 internship credits toward graduation.		31-42
Total Credits		31-42

General Track

In addition to the courses listed below, students are required to complete two courses with the Anti-Racism Education attribute attached. These courses may be taken during any semester of their education. See advisor for more information.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
UNV 101	First-Year Seminar: Introduction to University Community	1
CMS 111	Introduction to Communication	3
ENG 110 or ENG 120	Composition (Depending on placement exam results) or Critical Writing	3
Take any one Area of Knowledge course (ARE course)		3
Take one paired or INT Learning Community (LC) course		6
	Credits	16
Spring
CMS 113	Media, Culture, and Society	3
ENG 120	Critical Writing	4
MAT 102	Mathematics for Life	3
CIS 101 or CIT 110 or TS 105	Introduction to Computing or Introduction to Information Technology or Computers for Human Empowerment	3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2 or Group 3)		3
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
CMS 114	Introduction to Mass Media	3
COM 200	Public Speaking	3
Take any one remaining Area of Knowledge course		3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 1)		3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3)		3
	Credits	15
Spring
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2)		3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3)		3
ENG 201	Writing in the Disciplines	3
Take any two remaining Area of Knowledge course		6
	Credits	15
Third Year
Fall
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2)		3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3)		3
Take any one remaining Area of Knowledge course (Writing Enhanced (WE) course)		3
Open Elective Course (ARE)		3
First Second Language Course. See Advisor for guidelines		3
	Credits	15
Spring
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 1)		3
One Lab science course		3-4
Open Elective Course (Writing Enhanced (WE) course)		3
Take any one remaining Area of Knowledge course that is also a Civic Engagement (CE) course		3
Second Language Course, if applicable		3
	Credits	15-16
Fourth Year
Fall
CMS 393	Internship Program l	1-3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3)		3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2)		3
Take any one remaining Area of Knowledge course		3
Open Elective Course		3
	Credits	13-15
Spring
CMS 394	Internship Program II	3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2)		3
Take any one remaining Area of Knowledge course		3
Open Elective Course		3
Open Elective Course		3
	Credits	15
	Total Credits	120-123

Communication Studies, BA/Communications and Digital Media, MA Track

In addition to the courses listed below, students are required to complete two courses with the Anti-Racism Education attribute attached. These courses may be taken during any semester of their education. See advisor for more information.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
ENG 110 or ENG 120	Composition (Depending on placement exam results) or Critical Writing	3
CMS 111	Introduction to Communication	3
UNV 101	First-Year Seminar: Introduction to University Community	1
Take any one remaining Area of Knowledge course (ARE)		3
Take two paired or one INT Learning Community (LC) courses		6
	Credits	16
Spring
CMS 113	Media, Culture, and Society	3
MAT 102	Mathematics for Life	3
ENG 120	Critical Writing	4
CIS 101 or CIT 110	Introduction to Computing (Or TS 105) or Introduction to Information Technology	3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2 or Group 3)		3
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
CMS 114	Introduction to Mass Media	3
COM 200	Public Speaking	3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 1)		3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3)		3
Take any one remaining Area of Knowledge course		3
	Credits	15
Spring
ENG 201	Writing in the Disciplines	3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2)		3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3)		3
Take any two remaining Area of Knowledge course		6
	Credits	15
Third Year
Fall
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 2)		3
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 3)		3
Take any one remaining Area of Knowledge course (Writing Enhanced (WE) course)		3
First Second Language Course. See Advisor for guidelines		3
Open Elective Course (ARE)		1
	Credits	13
Spring
One major elective course in subject CMS (Group 1)		3
Take any one remaining Area of Knowledge course that is also a Civic Engagement (CE) course		3
Second Language Course, if applicable		3
One Lab science course		3
	Credits	12
Fourth Year
Fall
Take any one remaining Area of Knowledge course		3
MCA 601	Industry Theory and Practice	4
One major elective course in subject COS (Group 3)		3
CMS 393	Internship Program l	1-9
One major elective course in subject COS (Group 2)		3
	Credits	14-22
Spring
CMS 394	Internship Program II	1-6
Take any one remaining Area of Knowledge course		3
MCA 603	Effective Speaking for Industry Professionals	4
One major elective course in subject COS (Group 2)		3
MCA 610	Communications Research	4
	Credits	15-20
Fifth Year
Fall
MCA 602	Writing for Organizations	4
One major elective course in subject MCA		4
One major elective course in subject MCA		4
	Credits	12
Spring
One major elective course in subject MCA		4
One major elective course in subject MCA		4
MCA 693	Internship (Thesis)	4
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	140-153